We are experts at managing group sizes that allow you to follow effectively in the footsteps of Canadians.

Here’s what our clients have to say...

We are always so pleased with the level of preparedness, enthusiasm and professionalism of all of the groups and staff with Ellison; it is truly a joy for our guides, my colleagues and me, from the reservation to the end of the visit, to work with you to promote Canadian travel to the battlefields. Keep up the great work!

Rebecca Cline, Customer Service Manager, Juno Beach Centre

A long time student of Canadian military history and retired professional Army Officer, I participated in a tour orchestrated by Ellison Tours to the Canadian WW I and II battlefields of Belgium and France. In my estimation, our tour was masterfully planned and executed to ensure we saw the maximum and appreciated the significance of our visits throughout, with excellent commentary by our knowledgeable Ellison guide, augmented on occasion by local experts. I found the willingness/flexibility of our guide and driver to accommodate the unique desires of tour members outstanding. I would not hesitate to highly recommend Ellison to any potential customer seeking a quality travel experience.

Colonel Allan Methven (Retd)

Our Canadian Battlefield Tour Managers

Dennis Mak Makowetsky

Mak was a teacher in South Western Ontario for more than 30 years, and the Head of History, Geography and Social Science for 25 of them. In the course of his career, he taught history in Nottinghamshire, England for one year, and at the Canadian College in Lanciano, Italy for three and a half years. Since 2005, Mak has been involved in tour managing, tour designing and sales with Ellison Travel & Tours. He has increasingly specialized in World War I & II battle tours in Normandy, Belgium, Holland and Italy and looks forward to designing and escorting your group on an inspirational military tour in Europe.

Al Dahlo - Tour Manager

Al, a History and Geography major, began his career as a teacher and department head of Social Studies in Burnaby, during which time he helped organize tours with students throughout Canada and abroad. During the late 1980’s he became a federal election official and made several trips to Africa as a UN observer in Namibia, and as an election official and worked in Moscow helping to develop a democracy curriculum for Russian students. In mid 90’s Al took a leave from teaching to live in Jerusalem, where he managed a training assistance program on behalf of the American government with the Palestinian Authority and remained in the Middle East the summers of 1999 & 2000 working for a project of the Canadian Int’l Development Agency. Al’s travel experiences are varied, extensive and vastly enriching.

Canada Comes of Age: A Military Tour of France & Belgium

On April 9th, 1917, Canada came of age on the Battlefield of Vimy Ridge. This tour will take you there, along with many other locations of great importance to Canadians during the Great Wars of the 20th Century.

Spend two days in Paris visiting world famous sites such as the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower and the Musee de l’Armee. In addition to Vimy Ridge, explore venues of significance in World War I such as Beaumont-Hamel, St Julien, Tyne Cot Cemetery and Passchendaele. Lay a wreath at the Menin Gate in Ypres. Continue on to World War II battlefields such as Dieppe and Juno Beach. Return home with an even greater appreciation of what it means to be Canadian.

Anniversary of D-Day

Anniversary of D-Day

The day was just dawning on the Normandy Coast on June 6th, 1944, when 14,000 young Canadians stormed the beaches at such previously unfamiliar places as Bernieres and Courseulles. Visit these landing sites, along with other places of significance to the D-Day invasion, such as Abbaye Ardenne, the Falais Gap and Caen. Celebrate the role of Canadians and their allies in this initial step leading to the defeat of the Axis Powers in Europe.

WWII: Liberation of the Netherlands

WWII – Liberation Tour:

Including France, Belgium and HollandTrace the Canadian involvement in Northern Europe from the beaches of Dieppe in 1942 to the liberation of Holland in 1945. In the process, gain a greater appreciation of the significance of Canada’s contribution in the latter stages of World War II.

Begin your tour in Paris, visiting such major sites such as the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower and the Champs Elysses. Continue on to Juno Beach and Dieppe in France, the area of the Scheldt Estuary and Antwerp in Belgium, and sites of importance to the liberation of Holland such as Apeldoorn, Arnhem and Wageningen. Conclude by exploring the wonders of Amsterdam like Dam Square, the Rijksmuseum and the Anne Frank House.

World War II: The Italian Campaign

The Canadian Experience in Italy, 1943-45

They were called the D-Day Dodgers, but few Canadians are aware of the harrowing ordeals experienced by 93,000 of Canada’s young soldiers during the Italian Campaign. This tour features the highlights of the 20 month campaign in Italy.

Begin by exploring the glories of Ancient Rome, such as the Coliseum and Pantheon. Continue on to visit Monte Cassino and the key strongpoints of the Winter, Gustav and Hitler Lines in the Liri Valley. Cross Italy and follow in the footsteps of the Canadian soldiers at the Moro River and on to Ortona. Conclude by visiting key sites along the Gothic Line. You will forever appreciate the irony of the term “The D-Day Dodgers”.

World War II: The War in the Air

Britain and FranceWith many battle tours, the fascinating, and crucial, war in the air is often treated as a footnote. This tour visits many of the noted sites in Britain and France, but throughout, the theme remains the war in the air.

Land in London and visit the Imperial War Museum, London and Duxford, the RAF Museum and the Churchill War Rooms along with other famous sites like Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace. Leave London and stop at Dover Castle before crossing to Calais. Near Calais, tour the V1 and V2 Museum, La Coupole, before continuing on with visits to Dieppe, Juno Beach and the Airborne Museum at Ste-Mere-Eglise. Conclude your tour with a two night stay in Paris.